And what my Speedmaster MkII was calling out, loud and clear, was 'I'm knackered'.

I'd put a new tube in it and it still wasn't holding air... and no wonder really. The bead was rotten and it wasn't until today that I realised tyres have date codes! As you can see, my tyre – which I've been running on the Pan for 18 months – was made in 1969. I bought it fitted to my super-skinny Jones rim off the 'Bay and it seemed sound so I used it.

Until now. I took it to the pros this time, and the bloke who removed it asked incredulously "you weren't using this on public roads were you?".

Hey, some people just don't get it.

A new one's on order. I also didn't know until today that all Avons are still made in England.

They last well!